Many boaters seek out Seattle for its ideal location along Puget Sound. This major Pacific Northwest metropolis is surrounded by large bodies of water, teeming with aquatic wildlife and dotted with picturesque, nature-filled islands. Seattle offers residents an incredible combination of busy city life with boundless maritime exploration opportunities.
Before exploring Seattle’s scenic coastline, there are some things to know. To help get boaters prepped for all that Seattle’s busy waterways provide, this brief guide breaks down some key topics related to boating in the area.
Places to Explore Near Seattle
Seattle is surrounded by exciting locations to explore by water. Let’s look at some of the area’s best destinations.
The Puget Sound is a large inlet that connects to the Pacific Ocean and the Salish Sea. Boating along this giant body of water will provide magnificent views of Seattle’s cityscape. Boaters on the Puget Sound may spot some wildlife, including orcas, seals, and many more.
Lake Union is a popular destination in the heart of Seattle, surrounded by many buildings, restaurants, and bars. It is sought out by sailors and those with small boats during the warmer months, and its array of freshwater fish makes fishing a common local pastime.
Lake Washington, adjacent to Seattle, is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in the state. This sprawling lake has sparkling blue waters, along with many boat launches and marinas. It is also a fishing hotspot surrounded by forests and natural scenery.
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago near the Canadian border that include heavily-forested islands known for their maritime cultures, quaint towns, and amazing whale watching scene. Journeying from Seattle on open waters to visit this amazing area is an incredible experience.
Boating Events to Enjoy
Boating is a heavily ingrained part of the Seattle lifestyle, which is reflected by its many maritime-centric events held throughout the year. Let’s look at some of Seattle’s most popular.
Duck Dodge is an annual tradition on Lake Union. Every Tuesday night throughout the summer, this fun, loosely-organized sailing race features sailboats of every size and make.
Seafair is an annual summer event in Seattle. It celebrates the city’s maritime culture and features events on both land and sea, including parades, half-marathons, the Seafair Cup boat race, and the Boeing Seafair Air Show, which features aerial stunts from hydroplanes.
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Notable Boating Laws in Washington State
Many of the waters around Seattle are regulated by the federal and state governments, and there are numerous important laws that boaters must follow. The first standard law is that boaters need a Washington title and registration to operate or moor a vessel on Washington waters, unless the boat is a small craft, such as a canoe or kayak. Mandatory life jacket requirements depend on the boat’s size and the number of passengers on board.
Speed limits are enforced in the waters around Seattle. These range from three to seven knots and are dependent on which body of water is being navigated. To operate a boat with 15 horsepower or greater, the boater must be 12 years or older and have a Washington State Boater Education Card. Those operating a personal watercraft must be 14 or older.
Because Seattle has a massive local whale population, boaters need to be aware. Boating accidents are a significant cause of whale deaths, so it is imperative to stay far away from these beautiful creatures.
